It is based on a radio drama of the same name, with J. Scott Smart reprising his role as Brad Runyan, a portly detective.

William Castle later called it "a potboiler of little merit, except that I was able to cast Rock Hudson... and to use Emmett Kelly, the Ringling Brothers clown, as the villain.

"[1] Portly private detective Runyan is asked by dental nurse Adams to investigate the unexplained murder of her boss.

Suspicion falls on disappeared patient Clark, last seen being driven from his appointment by the chauffeur of probable gangster Gordon.

On release, Deets had claimed Clark's share of the loot from Gordon, the heist's organizer, in order to fulfil his ambition to own his own circus.